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Sweet Lasso Springs #2
Stamos
Renowned USA Today Bestselling Author Kathleen Ball presents a captivating tale of redemption and love in her latest release, a Sweet Contemporary Western Romance.
Joy, a young woman with a troubled past, finally gains eligibility for a work release program after spending years in prison. Tasked with working amidst the serenity of the outdoors, surrounded by horses, she finds solace in her newfound freedom. However, Joy's cautious optimism is tinged with the knowledge that happiness is often fleeting.
Enter Stamos, the overseer of the work release program for non-violent offenders. When Joy unexpectedly arrives at his doorstep, he mistakes her for the new nanny and hands her his son, rushing off to attend to his duties. Only later does he discover Joy's true identity as a convict convicted of violence. Determined to abide by the rules, Stamos attempts to return her to authorities, but bureaucratic delays force him to reconsider. Despite his initial reservations, Stamos observes Joy's gentle demeanor and undeniable skill with horses.
As their relationship deepens, Stamos becomes convinced of Joy's innocence, even as dark forces from her past threaten to tear them apart. In a bold move to protect her, he marries her, vowing to uncover the truth behind her conviction. Yet, their blossoming love faces countless obstacles, including Stamos' own reluctance to trust again and Joy's shattered faith in humanity.
Amidst the turmoil, they find unexpected solace in the love of Stamos' child, forging a bond that defies their past traumas. Set against the backdrop of Sweet Lasso Springs, this heartwarming tale explores the transformative power of love, faith, and second chances.
Join Kathleen Ball as she invites readers on a journey to a town where miracles happen, and love conquers all, in this Sweet Romantic Suspense Contemporary Western Romance. Previously titled Lone Star Joy, this gripping narrative promises to captivate hearts and restore hope in the face of adversity.
Joy, a young woman with a troubled past, finally gains eligibility for a work release program after spending years in prison. Tasked with working amidst the serenity of the outdoors, surrounded by horses, she finds solace in her newfound freedom. However, Joy's cautious optimism is tinged with the knowledge that happiness is often fleeting.
Enter Stamos, the overseer of the work release program for non-violent offenders. When Joy unexpectedly arrives at his doorstep, he mistakes her for the new nanny and hands her his son, rushing off to attend to his duties. Only later does he discover Joy's true identity as a convict convicted of violence. Determined to abide by the rules, Stamos attempts to return her to authorities, but bureaucratic delays force him to reconsider. Despite his initial reservations, Stamos observes Joy's gentle demeanor and undeniable skill with horses.
As their relationship deepens, Stamos becomes convinced of Joy's innocence, even as dark forces from her past threaten to tear them apart. In a bold move to protect her, he marries her, vowing to uncover the truth behind her conviction. Yet, their blossoming love faces countless obstacles, including Stamos' own reluctance to trust again and Joy's shattered faith in humanity.
Amidst the turmoil, they find unexpected solace in the love of Stamos' child, forging a bond that defies their past traumas. Set against the backdrop of Sweet Lasso Springs, this heartwarming tale explores the transformative power of love, faith, and second chances.
Join Kathleen Ball as she invites readers on a journey to a town where miracles happen, and love conquers all, in this Sweet Romantic Suspense Contemporary Western Romance. Previously titled Lone Star Joy, this gripping narrative promises to captivate hearts and restore hope in the face of adversity.
- GenresContemporary
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2022
125 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ball
125 books683 followersUSA Today Best Selling Author of
Contemporary Western Romance and Sweet Historical Western Romance.
Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.
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https://www.kathleenballromance.com
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Contemporary Western Romance and Sweet Historical Western Romance.
Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.
Sign up for my newsletter
https://www.kathleenballromance.com
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/kathleenball...
Feel free to friend me!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 3, 2023
I WON THE RODEO BY MARRYING YOU
The story is the second book in the Sweet Lasso Springs series. It contains secrets, lies, deceit, surprises, mystery, suspense, danger, and new beginnings. The story could read as a stand-alone and does have characters from the first book. It is a clean contemporary story that will have the reader shocked at how evil family members can be.
Joy Courtland will finally get work release after eight years in prison for a murder she did not commit. Charged and sentenced as an adult when she was only fourteen years old. She will arrive at Stamos Walker’s farm and learn that he wasn’t expecting her—and doesn’t think she can stay. He thought she was there to be a housekeeper and help with his son, Dillon.
The story kept the pages turning as Joy and Stamos must come to an agreement for her to be able to remain at the ranch. She has a way with Dillon—and her ability to work with horses is amazing. But there will be plenty of people who decide to interfere with that arrangement. It seems that marriage may be the only way to protect her. Stamos, as a former FBI agent, finds too many discrepancies within her trial and believes her to be innocent. But who is she covering for and why?
I loved the mystery and suspense within this tale, trying to decide what happened on that fateful night, and why did Joy take the fall? The on-and-off relationship between Stamos and Joy is a rollercoaster ride of indecisions, mostly on his part or because of him. He sends such mixed messages that keep her off balance. Sometimes he seemed sweet and caring and then would turn around and say hateful and cruel things. My heart hurts for Joy, she believes that she was born under an unlucky star.
Stamos: No thanks needed when love is involved. Joy, did you hear what I said? I love you.
Joy: Yes, I heard you. My whole being is glowing due to your words. I want to tell you how I feel, but I don’t know how.
Stamos: It’s hard, I know, but it feels good to say it.
Joy: I don’t know how it happened, but I love you too, Stamos Walker. I love you with my whole being. It’s probably the stupidest thing I’ve allowed to happen, but I can’t deny it. I don’t want to deny it. I love you.
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. Joy is a victim and scapegoat. She has had numerous attempts on her life while serving time and bares physical and mental scars. Now that she is released, she is still in danger, but so are those around her. Has leaving prison only gone from the frying pan into the fire? What will happen to her, and to her marriage to Stamos?
The story is the second book in the Sweet Lasso Springs series. It contains secrets, lies, deceit, surprises, mystery, suspense, danger, and new beginnings. The story could read as a stand-alone and does have characters from the first book. It is a clean contemporary story that will have the reader shocked at how evil family members can be.
Joy Courtland will finally get work release after eight years in prison for a murder she did not commit. Charged and sentenced as an adult when she was only fourteen years old. She will arrive at Stamos Walker’s farm and learn that he wasn’t expecting her—and doesn’t think she can stay. He thought she was there to be a housekeeper and help with his son, Dillon.
The story kept the pages turning as Joy and Stamos must come to an agreement for her to be able to remain at the ranch. She has a way with Dillon—and her ability to work with horses is amazing. But there will be plenty of people who decide to interfere with that arrangement. It seems that marriage may be the only way to protect her. Stamos, as a former FBI agent, finds too many discrepancies within her trial and believes her to be innocent. But who is she covering for and why?
I loved the mystery and suspense within this tale, trying to decide what happened on that fateful night, and why did Joy take the fall? The on-and-off relationship between Stamos and Joy is a rollercoaster ride of indecisions, mostly on his part or because of him. He sends such mixed messages that keep her off balance. Sometimes he seemed sweet and caring and then would turn around and say hateful and cruel things. My heart hurts for Joy, she believes that she was born under an unlucky star.
Stamos: No thanks needed when love is involved. Joy, did you hear what I said? I love you.
Joy: Yes, I heard you. My whole being is glowing due to your words. I want to tell you how I feel, but I don’t know how.
Stamos: It’s hard, I know, but it feels good to say it.
Joy: I don’t know how it happened, but I love you too, Stamos Walker. I love you with my whole being. It’s probably the stupidest thing I’ve allowed to happen, but I can’t deny it. I don’t want to deny it. I love you.
The story has the good, the bad, and the evil of people. Joy is a victim and scapegoat. She has had numerous attempts on her life while serving time and bares physical and mental scars. Now that she is released, she is still in danger, but so are those around her. Has leaving prison only gone from the frying pan into the fire? What will happen to her, and to her marriage to Stamos?
February 5, 2023
Joy Courtland at age fourteen was convicted of murdering her step-mother and automatically placed in a regular women's prison. She always claimed her innocence, but no one believed her except for one guard. George was the only way, she managed to stay alive behind bars. He learned someone had put a hit out on her in prison where they had tried several times to stab her to death. Finally, George got her into a work release program to the Walker Ranch after eight years. She loved horses, and she was practically a horse whisperer as the horses would do anything for her. Stamos Walker first thought, she was his new nanny for his four month old son Dillon, but then he learned she was there to work on the ranch. He was not setup to have a woman work on the ranch so she needed to go back. Only things did not work out that way. He soon learned that she was indispensable in working with the horses, and Dillon adored her. She had basically been around women for eight years, so she had no relationship experience, and she had built a wall around herself for protection to keep everyone out. It was tough being on the ranch as she did not want to let her guard down in case she went back to prison. She needed to keep her sharp edge to stay alive. Even as Stamos grew closer to her, and he decided, he wanted her to stay. He still had moments of running hot then cold confusing her even more. Finally, it came down if she stayed on the ranch, they had to get married or she went back to prison. They decided to get married, but that came with an officer hounding them all the time to make sure it was a real marriage. Joy knew her father and brother were after her, but when they found her favorite colt dead that was it for her. She could not endanger everyone at the ranch, Stamos, and Dillon. She needed to agree to go back to prison, but her sacrifice of returning to prison did not stop the attacks on the ranch or her. Highly enjoyed this fabulous romantic suspense, with lots of mystery and intrigue. The vibe I got from Stamos and Joy's courtship/relationship was of an old time sort of one. You keep everything close to your cuff between the couple, plain upfront talking, and it moved quickly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2023
3.5 stars.
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this book.
First of all, I'd like to say that I have absolutely nothing bad to say about Dillon. He was adorable and cute, and he made everyone fall instantly in love with him. And just look at that cover, people! Have you seen a more adorable baby in your life? Those cheeks are practically ripe for millions of kisses.
Now that I've stopped cooing over Dillon, let's start with the plot. It was, overall, not a bad plot with all that drama and angst, but there's a limit to my patience when it comes to characters acting out for no clear reason. Stamos was a complete jerk. His emotions gave me whiplash; he claimed he loved Joy, but his actions proved otherwise. Joy's emotions I can sympathise with because she had just left prison and didn't know how to trust anyone after being alone since she was 14, but sometimes, I did want to shake her and tell her to just stop already. I was so frustrated while reading this.
Another thing that confused me was that Stamos had been married before, but it had absolutely no purpose to the plot whatsoever. Oh, wait, it just made him a bigger jerk. He kept on making Joy feel terrible about herself all throughout the book even though he knew she probably had low self-esteem issues and paranoia and other problems. I just couldn't like him even when he was trying to make it up to Joy.
What I did love about this book was Benji, Nanny, Nino, Callie, and of course, Dillon. George was a wonderful supporting character too, and I liked his relationship with Joy. She deserved to have someone wholeheartedly support her with or without evidence to prove her innocence - I'm looking at you, Stamos.
By the time I reached chapter 8, I was going to give this book 4 stars, but then the drama kept on piling high and Joy just couldn't get some peace with Bailey, Jaime, Wood, Ida, and Stacey attacking her all the time. The author did do a wonderful job at making me hate all these people, so great work!
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this book.
First of all, I'd like to say that I have absolutely nothing bad to say about Dillon. He was adorable and cute, and he made everyone fall instantly in love with him. And just look at that cover, people! Have you seen a more adorable baby in your life? Those cheeks are practically ripe for millions of kisses.
Now that I've stopped cooing over Dillon, let's start with the plot. It was, overall, not a bad plot with all that drama and angst, but there's a limit to my patience when it comes to characters acting out for no clear reason. Stamos was a complete jerk. His emotions gave me whiplash; he claimed he loved Joy, but his actions proved otherwise. Joy's emotions I can sympathise with because she had just left prison and didn't know how to trust anyone after being alone since she was 14, but sometimes, I did want to shake her and tell her to just stop already. I was so frustrated while reading this.
Another thing that confused me was that Stamos had been married before, but it had absolutely no purpose to the plot whatsoever. Oh, wait, it just made him a bigger jerk. He kept on making Joy feel terrible about herself all throughout the book even though he knew she probably had low self-esteem issues and paranoia and other problems. I just couldn't like him even when he was trying to make it up to Joy.
What I did love about this book was Benji, Nanny, Nino, Callie, and of course, Dillon. George was a wonderful supporting character too, and I liked his relationship with Joy. She deserved to have someone wholeheartedly support her with or without evidence to prove her innocence - I'm looking at you, Stamos.
By the time I reached chapter 8, I was going to give this book 4 stars, but then the drama kept on piling high and Joy just couldn't get some peace with Bailey, Jaime, Wood, Ida, and Stacey attacking her all the time. The author did do a wonderful job at making me hate all these people, so great work!
January 17, 2023
Cute story of people with a past that may or may not be true and how God brings them to a place of comfort and joy.
Joy has been moved to a farm when she is let out of jail on a work release program but comes to find out that this farm only takes male parolees. What is she going to do now? They will send her back and she has been in for so long, since she was fourteen and did not do anything wrong. She took the blame to save her family and now is beginning to realize that they set her up and now just want her dead so she can't tell anyone the truth.
But, upon meeting her and learning of her story Stamos is not about to send her back and is will try and figure out a way to keep her there.
Baily, on the other hand, who Stamos has kept on as a housekeeping until the actual housekeeper arrives has decided that she is going to marry Stamos and nothing will stand in her way, least of all Joy.
So starts a series of bad things happening on the ranch, people getting hurt and people being looked at as the cause of the problems. Joy feels guilty about causing the problems for Stamos but what can she do.
Wonderful easy book to read and great book to read in front of the fireplace during these cold, winter days.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Joy has been moved to a farm when she is let out of jail on a work release program but comes to find out that this farm only takes male parolees. What is she going to do now? They will send her back and she has been in for so long, since she was fourteen and did not do anything wrong. She took the blame to save her family and now is beginning to realize that they set her up and now just want her dead so she can't tell anyone the truth.
But, upon meeting her and learning of her story Stamos is not about to send her back and is will try and figure out a way to keep her there.
Baily, on the other hand, who Stamos has kept on as a housekeeping until the actual housekeeper arrives has decided that she is going to marry Stamos and nothing will stand in her way, least of all Joy.
So starts a series of bad things happening on the ranch, people getting hurt and people being looked at as the cause of the problems. Joy feels guilty about causing the problems for Stamos but what can she do.
Wonderful easy book to read and great book to read in front of the fireplace during these cold, winter days.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2023
Joy is released from prison on a work release program to a ranch belonging to Stamos. Initially thinking that she was the new housekeeper he suddenly find out that she is on parole after serving time for murder, which he cannot accept, but she has to stay until he can contact her parole officer. In the meantime he finds that she has a way with horses and gradually begins to soften his attitude towards her.
I read the first chapter of this book at the end of the previous one in the series, Garrett, and was immediately looking forward to reading it. I was heartbroken on how Joy had been treated in her short life, which had resulted in her totally withdrawing into herself as a form of self-protection. Stamos, who had been introduced in the previous book, had been suddenly presented with his child resulting from a brief fling, was also struggling with abandonment issues. When Joy's family showed up with the intention of killing her he had to decide where his priorities lay. A very emotional story, frustrating as you could see what they actually felt about each other, but one that kept me hooked all the way through.
I received an advance copy of this book through Booksprout, however this did not influence my review of the book.
I read the first chapter of this book at the end of the previous one in the series, Garrett, and was immediately looking forward to reading it. I was heartbroken on how Joy had been treated in her short life, which had resulted in her totally withdrawing into herself as a form of self-protection. Stamos, who had been introduced in the previous book, had been suddenly presented with his child resulting from a brief fling, was also struggling with abandonment issues. When Joy's family showed up with the intention of killing her he had to decide where his priorities lay. A very emotional story, frustrating as you could see what they actually felt about each other, but one that kept me hooked all the way through.
I received an advance copy of this book through Booksprout, however this did not influence my review of the book.
January 11, 2023
Wow, such a wonderful story. Great plot with amazing characters the author really delivers on this one. Joy is released from prison after being wrongfully accused at 14 for killing her stepmother. She was tried as an adult and placed in the adult prison. After surviving several attempts on her life, she is sent to a work release program to be a horsetrainer. Upon arrival, the owner mistakes her for his new nanny and hands his son over to her and goes off to work. Stamos was former FBI but gave it up to run a ranch and look after his son. He is in charge of the male work release program, so he was not expecting a woman. Danger, miscommunication, and drama surround the events, and Joy fears she will be sent back to prison. Stamos ends up keeping her on, and they get close. What happens next will keep you glued to your seat to find out. Loved Dillion, he made the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 23, 2022
Joy meets Stamos when she goes to his ranch for a work release program. She had been in prison and this was a new opportunity for her. There are several miscommunications and Joy wonders if she is going to have to go back to prison. I thought Joy was "beat down" several times, but she just keeps going. She is very resilient. The story is full of drama coming from others involved in both their lives. There is a little violence in the story as well has some pretty heart wrenching moments. A major drawback for me was reading the way the people talked. I mean at one point the baby was referred to as a "dickens." It was a pretty tame romance, not much steam and barely any heat between the two of them. It is more of a sweet romance between the two of them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2022
Joy arrives at Stamos' ranch as a new horsetrainer, on the prison release scheme, she was convicted at fourteen of murdering her stepmother and sent to an adult prison, she's managed to evade six attempts on her life.
Stamos isn't expecting a woman, he thinks she's his new housekeeper and nanny for his small son, Dillon. He's not happy with George for sending her, but things happen so she stays.
Joy gets on very well with the horses and Dillon but is closed off from Stamos, an ex FBI agent to gave it up to run his ranch.
Things heat up when Joy's father and brother turn up, what is going on? Did Joy kill her stepmother?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great romantic suspense from Kathleen
Stamos isn't expecting a woman, he thinks she's his new housekeeper and nanny for his small son, Dillon. He's not happy with George for sending her, but things happen so she stays.
Joy gets on very well with the horses and Dillon but is closed off from Stamos, an ex FBI agent to gave it up to run his ranch.
Things heat up when Joy's father and brother turn up, what is going on? Did Joy kill her stepmother?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great romantic suspense from Kathleen
January 17, 2023
This story pulled at my heartstrings and had me cheering Joy and Stamos on to get their happily ever after. These two have been through so much separately and their stories had me captivated. Joy was convicted of a crime she didn't commit at the young age of fourteen and it never got better for her until she gets sent to Stamos. Stamos is a retired FBI agent who now runs a work release program for ex-convicts. This is a page turning story with complex characters that find they needed each other more than they knew and finding love was the cherry on top. This is book two and a great addition to the Sweet Lasso Springs series and so far I am loving this series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
June 12, 2023
I enjoyed it but,
I was a bit frustrated with some of the context! Like Stamos hugging Bailey after marrying Joy! Confusing, very confusing .😐 There were other areas that left me baffled! There was too much up and down that wasn’t very consistent! But it was a good story. My heart went out to Joy. I know about crazy family and being rejected and accused of stuff you never did, by family members. So I feel for Joy. Stamos needed his butt kicked. He was bit too familiar with other females and to up and down. He finally seemed better at the end, but I can see why Joy was upset he didn’t come to get her the last time she ended up arrested for protecting herself from her crazy father. Callie came instead. Big, dumb oaf. But I did like most of the story. 👍📖
I was a bit frustrated with some of the context! Like Stamos hugging Bailey after marrying Joy! Confusing, very confusing .😐 There were other areas that left me baffled! There was too much up and down that wasn’t very consistent! But it was a good story. My heart went out to Joy. I know about crazy family and being rejected and accused of stuff you never did, by family members. So I feel for Joy. Stamos needed his butt kicked. He was bit too familiar with other females and to up and down. He finally seemed better at the end, but I can see why Joy was upset he didn’t come to get her the last time she ended up arrested for protecting herself from her crazy father. Callie came instead. Big, dumb oaf. But I did like most of the story. 👍📖
December 21, 2022
This was a hard story to read at times, but in the end Joy was able to overcome her horrible past and find love. Convicted at 14 of killing her stepmother, Joy spent 8 years in prison where she learned to harden her heart and protect her life. When she is released on a work program she ends up at a ranch where she meets and falls in love with Stamos and his baby, but as danger follows her, she closes herself off again thinking it will protect those she loves. There are so many twists and turns I wondered if they would make it. A tense read at times, but love prevails.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2023
A story of an unthinkable miscarriage of justice and the protector cowboy who comes to her rescue. Stamos and Joy’s story is a page turner for sure. It will keep you anxiously reading until the end. With all the attacks coming at Joy from different sides she’s convinced she was born under an unlucky star. Good thing Stamos is willing to protect her and seek justice for her even if he didn’t want her on his ranch. The emotional interplay between them makes for a riveting story. You will definitely enjoy this one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2023
Stamos is a wonderful written. The characters struggle with hard decisions in life. A young lady has struggled to stay alive in prison for a crime she didn't commit. A retired officer has turned his ranch into a early release program.
Joy Courtland thought she was helping her family. She latter discovers her father wanted her dead. Joy gains help in unexpecting ways.
Stamos Walker runs a ranch. He employs convicts to gain knowledge for a productive life after being released from prison. He only allowed non-violent defenders on his ranch. He is surprised to discover Joy on his ranch.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Joy Courtland thought she was helping her family. She latter discovers her father wanted her dead. Joy gains help in unexpecting ways.
Stamos Walker runs a ranch. He employs convicts to gain knowledge for a productive life after being released from prison. He only allowed non-violent defenders on his ranch. He is surprised to discover Joy on his ranch.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 27, 2023
This book had so much potential! I really enjoyed the plot, the characters. The problem is the desperate need for editing.
Things happened way too fast. I liked what happened, but at 30% I felt like we were 75% of the way through the story. I got more annoyed at Stamos by the end, he was too hot and cold. Also there were several times they should have called the police, or at the very least considered calling.
I truly hope the author gets some professional editing services because I think this book could become a favorite if the pace was worked on (and a few plot things by the end. If that ever happened I’d be happy to give the book a reread.
Things happened way too fast. I liked what happened, but at 30% I felt like we were 75% of the way through the story. I got more annoyed at Stamos by the end, he was too hot and cold. Also there were several times they should have called the police, or at the very least considered calling.
I truly hope the author gets some professional editing services because I think this book could become a favorite if the pace was worked on (and a few plot things by the end. If that ever happened I’d be happy to give the book a reread.
December 21, 2022
She just needed a chance.
This was a very captivating piece the characters were complex and the twists and turns really kept me engaged. I liked this one better than the first book so far this has been an excellent series. On the emotional level for the reader there are some real ups and downs. This is not a story that is easy to read but it is very well done and it is sure to be a thought provoking for the reader I know it was for me. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
This was a very captivating piece the characters were complex and the twists and turns really kept me engaged. I liked this one better than the first book so far this has been an excellent series. On the emotional level for the reader there are some real ups and downs. This is not a story that is easy to read but it is very well done and it is sure to be a thought provoking for the reader I know it was for me. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 1, 2023
Great addition to theirs clean series by Kathleen Ball.
Joy has been sent to Stamos’ house on work release from the women’s penitentiary for the last eight years. She was in prison for murder and Stamos can’t have her around his son or his ranch.
Stamos used to be an undercover FBI agent but got out and started a work release program at his ranch. He didn’t plan for having a woman working there but Joy surprises him with her way with his horses.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Joy has been sent to Stamos’ house on work release from the women’s penitentiary for the last eight years. She was in prison for murder and Stamos can’t have her around his son or his ranch.
Stamos used to be an undercover FBI agent but got out and started a work release program at his ranch. He didn’t plan for having a woman working there but Joy surprises him with her way with his horses.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2023
This is a well written book with an emotional storyline. The author brings a cast of strong characters centering on Stamos, Joy and Dillon. She does a great job pulling you into the story and kept me glued to the pages from start to finish with all of the happenings and growing love. She moves the story fluidly with her perfectly painted scenes and delivers another terrific story in the Sweet Lasso Springs series. Loved and recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 10, 2023
This is the second book in the Sweet Lasso Springs series and is a stand alone book. Another good read by Kathleen Ball. I loved the character Dillion! Everyone loves him and is a pretty happy little guy. What a crazy family that Joy has, but makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. Alot of twists and turns between Stamos and Joy,but they keep working at their relationship. Loved the ending!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2023
I've read several books written by Kathleen Ball; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the second book in the Sweet Lasso Springs Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Joy & Stamos; he runs a work release program for non-violent men; she’s just been released from prison herself. When she shows up at his ranch he thinks she’s the new nanny.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the Sweet Lasso Springs Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Joy & Stamos; he runs a work release program for non-violent men; she’s just been released from prison herself. When she shows up at his ranch he thinks she’s the new nanny.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
July 24, 2023
Scared Love
When two people that's been hurt deeply and each afraid to trust their feelings for the other, can love and understanding break down the walls of hopelessness? Kathleen Ball did an amazing job of bringing to life all the characters with their uniqueness and charms. This book is a page turner and so sweet and had a touch of mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what's next. if you enjoy cowboy novels with a baby involved then give "Stamos" a try.
When two people that's been hurt deeply and each afraid to trust their feelings for the other, can love and understanding break down the walls of hopelessness? Kathleen Ball did an amazing job of bringing to life all the characters with their uniqueness and charms. This book is a page turner and so sweet and had a touch of mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what's next. if you enjoy cowboy novels with a baby involved then give "Stamos" a try.
December 20, 2022
Really Great Series
I've really enjoyed this series and getting to know all the characters and their stories. I loved Stamos's story. He's a retired FBI agent who's trying to help convicts. She's been falsely charged and on her own since she was 14. These two needed each other and found love in spite all the strife they went through. An interesting read that I read straight through. I'd like to see George and Bea get their story.
I've really enjoyed this series and getting to know all the characters and their stories. I loved Stamos's story. He's a retired FBI agent who's trying to help convicts. She's been falsely charged and on her own since she was 14. These two needed each other and found love in spite all the strife they went through. An interesting read that I read straight through. I'd like to see George and Bea get their story.
December 22, 2022
Love wins!
Kathleen Ball is an amazing storyteller. She’s grabs you from the first page and continues to keep you interested in her story. I loved this emotional story of love, danger, murders, and anything else in this book. I don’t want to give anything away in this awesome book about an 14 year old getting arrested for killing her stepmother. I highly recommend this book. Please get it, you will not be disappointed.
Kathleen Ball is an amazing storyteller. She’s grabs you from the first page and continues to keep you interested in her story. I loved this emotional story of love, danger, murders, and anything else in this book. I don’t want to give anything away in this awesome book about an 14 year old getting arrested for killing her stepmother. I highly recommend this book. Please get it, you will not be disappointed.
December 22, 2022
still get tears thinking about 14 year old Joy, innocently agreeing to claim she killed her step mother and spending years in an adult prison. Thank heavens, she had George and then, Stamos. Stamos had the insight to understand Joy, usually. At times her ability to survive got in the way. Kathleen Ball gives us romance, danger, friendship, humor, and unfortunately a look at pure evil. I really loved this book even with the tears.
December 26, 2022
Stamos is a retired FBI agent who gives up his career and moves to a horse farm. Joy was charged with the murder of her step-mother and spend time in prison and now she is in work release going to train horses but when she knocks on Stamos door he hands her his child thinking she is the nanny. This is an emotional story with betrayal and romance. Joy never got a break and the only person willing to help her is Stamos.
January 9, 2023
This is my first book to read by Kathleen Ball and I am instantly hooked. Everything you can expect in a book is in this story, Drama, action, danger, suspense love and passion. It's a gripping story that won't let you go. I think Sweet Lasso Springs is a nice series and I will definitely read part 1 and can't wait for the next part.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2023
Stamos
This was an interesting story about ,work release program run by Stamos . He was getting a new release today and she was shy, her name was Joy. He was in shock , how could he have a Woman on a men’s work program. He called George, her parole officer. He had taken sick, was having heart problems. Stamos was stuck with her until he could reach George. Well, she could take care of the baby in the house. Long story, with many changes long the way, just enjoy the journey.
This was an interesting story about ,work release program run by Stamos . He was getting a new release today and she was shy, her name was Joy. He was in shock , how could he have a Woman on a men’s work program. He called George, her parole officer. He had taken sick, was having heart problems. Stamos was stuck with her until he could reach George. Well, she could take care of the baby in the house. Long story, with many changes long the way, just enjoy the journey.
June 12, 2023
Missing plot point?
I enjoyed the story concept, but there’s a major missing plot point. The book skips straight from Stamos giving Joy time to ease into a sexual relationship where he said multiple times that he would wait for her to be comfortable, straight to her being a couple of months pregnant and feeling the baby move. Plus, the whole her pulling away and him pulling away back and forth became too repetitive.
I enjoyed the story concept, but there’s a major missing plot point. The book skips straight from Stamos giving Joy time to ease into a sexual relationship where he said multiple times that he would wait for her to be comfortable, straight to her being a couple of months pregnant and feeling the baby move. Plus, the whole her pulling away and him pulling away back and forth became too repetitive.
November 16, 2023
Interesting plot setup but too much angst, repeated again and again. That applies to the 2 main characters. I wanted to read the book, but I felt like yelling at them to just stop agonizing about something just like they did 30 pages ago.
The supporting cast was wonderful and beautifully brought to life, even the animals - they are the reason I will remember the book (the black wig and the wandering beast family.)
The supporting cast was wonderful and beautifully brought to life, even the animals - they are the reason I will remember the book (the black wig and the wandering beast family.)
December 23, 2022
A very unique love story. It was hard to read in thinking about all the trials the characters went through. But that’s what makes a good book. I was glad to read this story. It would be a great story for those who love an unusual love story. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
December 25, 2022
Loved it! This is a fast moving story that you won’t be able to put down. It has many twists and turns, just when you think you have it figured out something will change! You will be on the edge of your seat—manipulation, betrayal, fear, suspense, restoration, romance. Don’t miss this latest sweet, clean story from Kathleen Ball.
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